IT looks the same, and yet it is very different. Like any blockbusting sequel some fans will prefer it to the latest take and those who will always prefer the 'original and best'. I am, of course, talking about the new, new MINI Cooper.

In 2001 BMW recreated Sir Alec Issigonis's baby – the Mini, a cheap everyday car that spawned the supermini market and revolutionised the motoring scene in the 1950s/'60s.

MINI in 2001 was a modern take on the nation's first favourite small car, albeit larger and more exclusive. Okay, so it's not British owned any more but BMW managed to keep all that was unique about the iconic Mini and successfully inject some sensible German technology, reliability and build quality.

As times change evermore rapidly in the world of cars, MINI has had to keep up and, at five years of age, has been modernised 'again' and returned home to be built at Oxford. Although similar to the 2001 model, the new Cooper is, dare I say, an improvement all-round with new technology you can see and some you cannot.

Like any limelight-loving character who might recently have had a face lift, the whole body has undergone a very subtle nip and tuck, with new panels all round but still with its wheel-in-each-corner stance. MINI has suffered a touch of middle age spread, too, and is slightly bigger! This does benefit interior space, though.

Other major benefits include more sophisticated suspension, firmer chassis, electric power steering, and larger brake discs to cope with the more powerful engine.

Less definitely means more with the MINI because BMW has performed an eco-friendly miracle with its new 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – also made in the UK. Power and torque have both increased and yet, unbelievably, fuel consumption and emissions have been reduced.

A new short-shift six-speed manual gearbox adds refinement to your driving experience and contributes to the good economy figures. It's true. This MINI Cooper achieves a top speed of 126mph and trots from 0-62mph in nine seconds (not as quick as you might expect), yet has a combined MPG figure of 48.7.

So impressive are the emissions, which have dropped from 166 g/km to 139 g/km, the new Cooper has dropped into the VED Band C for road tax – so you are kinder on the planet and your pocket.

Safety  features  like ABS, corner braking control, crash sensor, disc brakes all-round, electronic braking distribution, smart airbags, side airbags and curtain head airbags give peace of mind – not that you should ever need to use them all.

Inside the MINI it's a whole new ball game. The car has definitely come of age and, aside from 'Big Ben' in the middle of the dashboard and the original-style switchgear in the new centre console, you definitely feel like you're driving a baby BMW. The seats are more comfortable, there is more space around each passenger and the materials have a distinctive BMW flavour. In fact, it reminds me of the inside of the Z4.

It lacks some of its originality and taken on a more conservative style, partly to save money, as the former model had some costly-to-manufacture design features, including the clamshell bonnet and the fancy door handles. However, as you might expect of BMW, quality means everything and you are treated to the same creature comforts you find on a 'proper' Beamer. I love the new key, which fits into a slot on the dashboard and has a START button you press. It's futuristic and adds to the appeal.

My only real gripe with the interior is the huge dial in the middle of the dashboard. I know it was one of the original features, but I think one BMW could have done away with. It is like having Big Ben sitting in front of you and it is distracting, especially at night when the dial is lit up. Also, when driving away from the sun it reflects badly on the clock face and can be blinding at times.

As for the driving, it's faultless. Sitting low to the ground and cornering at speed is a real thrill and that's what this car is all about. It's a driver's car on a small scale. It's not the quickest small car (try the Cooper S for sighs), but it is great fun, turns on a sixpence and handles like a kart – gripping.

It's not a good small family car. It was never intended as such. In fact, it's impractical if you have children and you need a boot and breathing space. (Although, I did manage to get a wide screen monitor and computer in the boot.) However, it is iconic and a great little driver's car. What's more, it's a BMW without the expense of owning one. And save even more with the MINI tlc servicing package.

The Mini adventure just gets better… a better storyline – better safety features, better driving experience, better quality, economy and value for money, plus more opportunity to personalise. The End… or is it?

MINI COOPER 1.6
 

Max power: 120 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque: 160 Nm @4,250 rpm
Top speed: 126 mph
0-62 mph: 9.1 sec
Urban economy: 36.2 mpg
Extra-urban: 61.4 mpg
Combined: 48.7 mpg
CO2 emissions: 139 g/km

 

Price: £12,995

Copyright  Motopia © Contact Us